Why Choose a Private Solicitor for a Magistrates' or Crown Court Case?

We understand that the prospect of undergoing a Magistrates’ or Crown Court trial can be incredibly daunting, no matter what offence you may be accused of. While you will certainly have plenty of questions about what steps you need to take, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether or not to choose a private solicitor.

As the impact of a guilty verdict for a Magistrates’ or Crown Court case can have life-changing consequences for you and your family, there is no doubt that you will want to secure the best possible legal advice and representation – exactly what our criminal defence solicitors can provide.

Let’s consider why instructing a private solicitor for your Magistrates’ or Crown Court case will help to ensure you reach the best possible outcome, whether that’s a reduced penalty or full acquittal.

Why should you use a private solicitor for a Magistrates’ or Crown Court case?

There are a number of benefits to choosing a private solicitor for a Magistrates’ or Crown Court case, as opposed to a designated duty solicitor. These include:

You will receive the expertise and guidance of a highly experienced solicitor or partner, specialists in defending the most serious of criminal offences

You can instruct any expert of your choice including but not limited to:

• Scientist
• Engineer
• Doctor
• Consultant
• Top Barrister QC not available on Legal Aid
• Conduct every enquiry you want
• Obtain and consider all evidence
• Trace all witnesses who may
• And much more

You will receive the best service from us. If your case is important to you, don’t settle for anything less. Our costs structures are transparent and uncomplicated. There are no hidden costs.

We work with clients from all walks of life. We are highly regarded and regularly receive instructions from repeat clients as well as professional referrals.

We have significant expertise in representing high profile individuals and professionals. We are known for obtaining the best possible outcomes and excellent results for our clients.

Our results are recognised in online high-ranking review platforms and by repeated awards won from our professional bodies which recognise excellence within our profession.

If you decide to instruct a solicitor for a Magistrates’ or Crown Court case, you will be safe in the knowledge that you will receive the best possible representation from an individual with a depth of litigation experience.

Our criminal defence solicitors are experts in their respective fields, which means they will be able to employ the best possible strategies that are meticulously tailored to the details of your individual case. The simple fact of the matter is that, to reach a successful outcome you will need to rely on expert legal advice – something duty solicitors won’t always be able to provide.

A private solicitor can dedicate their time to meticulously preparing your case

Duty solicitors may have a number of different clients at one time who they will have to balance their time between. When you instruct a private solicitor, they will be able to invest all of their time into defending you, which means they will be fully dedicated to your case.

We will offer you a personal and bespoke service. We will not compromise on preparation. We will ensure that the prosecution provide full disclosure to us to assist the defence case. We will also start to engage and negotiate with the Crown Prosecution Service early on in the proceedings to secure the best possible outcome for you.

We are able to provide access to top experts, Doctors, Consultants and Barrister, Queens Counsel (QC). We have built good relationships with these parties and receive an expeditious, professional and personal service from our expert panel.

A private solicitor will have the opportunity to get to know you beyond the details related to your case, helping to build a much more effective defence. We will also liaise with your family and/or third parties regarding your case with your consent.

Contacting a private solicitor is much more straightforward

A privately instructed solicitor will be dedicating their time to thoroughly preparing your defence for trial and therefore it will be much easier for you to contact them with any questions or concerns. This means you will always be kept updated in relation to the progression and possible outcomes of your case.

This constant contact will provide you with the confidence and peace of mind that your matter is in the right hands and is being handled professionally.

Our experience representing clients in court

At JD Spicer Zeb, we have over 44 years’ experience in defending Magistrates’ and Crown Court cases. Our team is made up of highly experienced solicitors and caseworkers who have specific expertise in a wide range of different cases.

If you are facing serious charges in a Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, our team will work to ensure your case is well prepared and that you receive the best possible representation at every stage of the proceedings.

Our team can assist you through the preparation of your case, advising you on your rights and the decisions that need to be made. We will prepare your matter as carefully as possible, including obtaining relevant expert reports that will help to build the strongest possible case.

With our specialist criminal defence lawyers, you can rest assured that your case is being handled with the utmost care and dedication.

What criminal cases are likely to be heard at a Magistrates’ Court?

The vast majority of criminal court cases start in the Magistrates’ Court, with a large portion of these being concluded there.

Magistrates’ Courts typically deal with:

• Summary offences – Less serious criminal cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults
• Either-way offences – Cases that can potentially be dealt with at either a Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court such as theft or handling stolen goods

What criminal cases are likely to be heard at the Crown Court?

While most cases will begin in the Magistrates’ Court, the more serious are then heard at the Crown Court.

The Crown Court typically handles four types of cases:

• Indictable-only offences – Serious criminal offences such as murder, manslaughter, robbery and rape
• Either-way offences – These are offences which can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. Depending on the serious nature of the offence; your case may be sent to the Crown Court for trial. An either-way offence may also be deemed suitable to be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court however the defendant can elect a Crown Court trial should they wish to.
• Appeals from the Magistrates’ Court
• Sentencing decisions transferred from the Magistrates’ Court

Get immediate representation for a Magistrates’ or Crown Court case

If you are facing Magistrates’ or Crown Court proceedings, our criminal defence solicitors will be available to take on your case and provide you with the representation you need to achieve a positive outcome.

We will provide clear advice in plain English along with sympathetic personal support to help you through this difficult time.

You can contact us 24-hours a day, seven days a week for an immediate free initial consultation, expert legal advice and representation.

Our highly experienced criminal defence lawyers offer:

• 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
• Representation anywhere in England or Wales
• Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
• Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)
• Local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester

If you need immediate advice and representation, please use our emergency contact numbers:

Birmingham – 07891 777090
Brent & Camden – 07836 577556
Manchester – 07798 701339